This is probably the most fitting verse to begin my new job as a stay at home mom. What else is child rearing than building a home - a family, a future? I have already learned while on maternity leave and home with Gram that this can happen in both big and small ways.
Big ways to build your home vs. tear it down:
1. Having a heart of love vs. bitterness/ contempt
2. Speaking encouraging words vs. words that pick fights
3. Appreciating the opportunity to raise Gram vs. wondering what I might be missing out on
4. Putting me first vs. putting Gram first
Small ways to build your home vs. tear it down:
1. Filling my day with TV vs. quality time with Gram and God
2. Keeping up the house vs. laziness
3. Opening our home to others regularly vs. holing up by ourselves
4. Being thrifty vs. being frivolous
There are so many ways that this verse has and will play out in my days. My prayer is that I remember it often, that my choices build up instead of tear down, that Gram will grow up in a loving, secure and playful home and that he, too, will love to build.
So good! Really good word. Something I need to take captive. Thanks.
I like your practical applications. Those are things I've been learning about as well.